As Monday approaches, anticipation builds for many MLB teams poised to hit a significant milestone: their 100th game of the season. This milestone serves as a litmus test for teams to reassess their standings and player performances as the playoff picture starts to come into clearer focus.
Cody Bellinger's Home Run Struggles
A standout player whose performance is under the microscope is Cody Bellinger. Bellinger has hit nine home runs in 79 games this year, a notable decline compared to his 26 home runs in 130 games last season. The dip in his power numbers raises questions about his consistency and endurance throughout the extended grind of an MLB season.
Nolan Arenado's Performance Decline
Another player facing scrutiny is Nolan Arenado. This season, Arenado has a .702 OPS, which is currently the lowest of his illustrious career. Known for his consistent offensive output, Arenado's slump is a departure from his usual high standards and a point of concern for his team as they navigate the latter half of the season.
Bobby Witt Jr.'s Stellar Saturday
On a more positive note, Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his talent once again by going 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored in their Saturday matchup. His performance added a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for his team.
Alex Bregman's Offensive Surge
Alex Bregman, priced at $4,200 on DraftKings and $3,200 on FanDuel, has been on an offensive tear since July 4. Bregman has been hitting .314 with three home runs, 10 RBIs, and 10 runs scored over 13 games, resulting in an impressive .885 OPS. Historically, Bregman has performed well against left-handed pitching, boasting a career .278 batting average and an .862 OPS against southpaws.
On Monday, Bregman and his team will face the Athletics, who are scheduled to start LHP Hogan Harris. Harris has a career 5.53 ERA, which could present a favorable matchup for Bregman to continue his hot streak.
J.P. Crawford's Mixed Performance
J.P. Crawford, another player of interest, is equally priced at $4,200 on DraftKings but slightly lower at $3,000 on FanDuel. Crawford's career performance against Tyler Anderson includes a 3-for-10 batting average with two walks. This season, Crawford is batting .284 with an .805 OPS against southpaws, hitting four home runs in 88 at-bats against left-handed pitchers and five home runs in 206 at-bats against right-handed pitchers.
Despite these numbers, Crawford is experiencing the lowest batting average (.204) and OPS (.643) of his eight-year career. This dichotomy makes him a player of high interest, as his potential for impactful hits against southpaws conflicts starkly with his overall seasonal struggles.
Fantasy Insights
Notably, fantasy sports expert McClure, recognized for his contributions in the book "Fantasy Football (and Baseball) for Smart People: How to Turn Your Hobby into a Fortune," endorses rostering J.P. Crawford. With McClure's endorsement and Crawford's potential to capitalize on favorable matchups, fantasy managers may find value in including Crawford in their lineups despite his season-long struggles.
As MLB teams gear up for their 100th game, player performances like those of Bellinger, Arenado, Bregman, and Crawford will be closely watched. Their ability to either turn around or maintain their current trajectories could have significant implications not only for their teams but also for the fantasy sports landscape.